Saturday, November 26, 2016

Black Velvet + BornPretty

______I haven't purchased jewelry in two years and it's all thanks to BornPretty and their eclectic selection of shimmery accessories. Thankfully their products are always on point and the recent set of items I recieved is no exception; that being said, I've had a wee bit of an obsession with choker necklaces ever since they made their revival from the 90s, and this heart choker brings me back those perplexing days of middle school and the its curious fashion trends. I also received a silver bone ring, rhinestone bowknot ring, and a thin criss-cross bracelet. All sorts of things that mix girly and edgy.

______As always, you can get 10% off your order with code ALT10.

______Somehow we are already three weeks away from winter break even though it feels like the semester has just begun and that I only started making my way around the land of Iowa. Whereas I only used to know where one Walmart is, I now know where both Walmarts are. I know. It's wild. Fight me. I also know of many more local spots that once I may have never discovered were it not for outings with friends. Some of the entrances to these places go underground or up to another floor and have tiny doors squished between two buildings that nearly go missed when one passes by. These places remind me of the scene in that beginning of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where the buildings split apart to reveal a secret building in the middle...

______Nonetheless, I'm already dreaming of baking mountains upon endless mountains of cookies that spill over the countertops of my mother's kitchen (she reads this and dreads such disarray in her domestic space), shopping at home where the bell-filled sounds and piney smells of Christmas permeate the stores, and seeing the glittering lights at night that speckle the homes of my parents' neighborhood. Even driving along what is normally a mundane highway at night is transformed over Christmas, for each of the traffic light poles is accented with a lit-up snowflake, reindeer, or bell marquee.

______The same goes for up here in Iowa: I'll admit to driving around at night just to soak in the delicacy that is the light-wrapped trees and lampposts on and off campus. It really may be the most wonderful time of the year...

4 comments:

I just got my first choker since the 90's and I cannot wait to wear it! I love these gorgeous photos and I love Christmas so much. Your recollections of Christmases with family puts a smile on my face!

Ahhh, it was so good to see you back, Ali! You're absolutely rocking it here--that pale blue skirt (I almost want to call it periwinkle, partially because the word is too cool haha) is so versatile and the perfect pop of color with those edgy pieces. The sporty high socks and choker are too fierce!

I definitely agree that I love wandering around town just to soak in all the lights and the holiday vibes. I'm glad you've been settling in well in Iowa--I love seeing your art updates :) Sending you the best for the end of the semester!

THE DWEEB BEHIND IT ALL

Hi there! My name is Ali, I'm 24, and I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that one day I'll confidently call myself an artist. I'm absolutely passionate about art, biking, and people-watching like a total creeper.